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Salomon Highlander 2021-2022 Snowboard Bindings Review

Tested and selected for our top 100 snowboard products of the year: the Salomon Highlander

  • Price: €350
  • Category: All-Mountain
  • Sizes: S, M, L
  • Flex: 7-8/10
  • Entry System: Classic
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Why we chose the Salomon Highlander Snowboard Bindings: Cast iron proof that a binding needn’t be rigid to be strong. The Highlander’s bendy heel cups are well worth the squeeze.

The Salomon Highlander was one of our best-reviewed bindings last year, so naturally we approached its latest incarnation with Matt-Hancock-on-CCTV levels of enthusiasm. The bones of it are largely unchanged for 2021/22, and that’s no bad thing; in our opinion, Salomon’s top-end binding tech is hard to beat, and it’s on the Highlander that can witness it at its very best.

In the world of bindings, ‘premium’ often means ‘carbon’ which in turn can translate as ‘unforgiving’ – but that’s certainly not the story here.

“The Highlander’s bendy heel cups are well worth the squeeze”

MORE INFO:
Salomon.com

Who Is The Salomon Highlander For?

If you’re willing to shell out for the finer things, then definitely bear this one in mind. The Highlander’s insane combo of comfort and versatility more than justifies the relatively high price tag, especially when you consider that this one can really turn its hand to any style of riding.

Baseplate

As is the case for all of Salomon’s high-end binders, the Salomon Highlander features the brand’s unique ‘Shadow Fit’ baseplate. Gone is the classic rigid heel cup, replaced with a flexible one that you can easily manipulate with your hand. Hey presto – perfect compatibility with any boot, and lots of opportunity for lateral movement thanks to the hinges on either side.

If that feels a little too, well, soft for your own brand of riding, have no fear; the built-in Kevlar wire ensures that there’s plenty of response on offer when you need it. Plus the shock-absorbing properties of the system just might encourage you to send it a little further than usual. The whole thing is crazy light, too, which is always a bonus.

“The whole thing is crazy light, too, which is always a bonus”

Straps and Highbacks

The toe strap on this is among the best we’ve seen; there’s barely anything to it, and yet from the first time you strap in, you know it’ll last the distance. There’s a bit more going on in the ‘Shadow Lite’ ankle strap, but weight savings and never-fail support remain the priorities. The thin top section pulls tight to keep you locked in, while the lattice spreads the pressure to prevent discomfort. Salomon straps are also among the easiest to adjust. It’s not something you’ll have to do a lot, but when the time comes you’ll be able to quickly and easily position them exactly how you want.

The lattice construction of both the highback and the ankle strap is designed to keep the support levels high while ensuring the weight stays low. It looks pretty great too – and might also come in handy if you misplace your colander during dinner prep back at the apartment.

“It looks pretty great too – and might also come in handy if you misplace your colander during dinner prep back at the apartment”

Roundup

We’ll all be craving a bit more connection in the post-pandemic world (apologies for any additional Hancock-related imagery we’ve just sparked there). Why not treat your feet to a pair of bindings that’ll really make them feel loved? Not only do they essentially wrap your boots in a tender embrace, they’re good listeners too. Comfort and response; if you can get both of those nailed down, as Salomon always does, then all will be well.

And when it comes to picking just one binder from the range? There Can Be Only One.

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Trade Secrets

James Fuller – Salomon snowboards U.K

“Shadow Fit Soft Heel cup construction, Opti vibe dampening from the running shoes, All Mountain focused design.”

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